The Guelph Storm's London connection got stronger yesterday with the signing of Bill Armstrong as assistant coach.

Armstrong, 38, a London realtor, had been head coach of the Brantford Blast of the Major Hockey League senior loop. He had previously coached the Aylmer Blues to two straight MHL titles, taking the team to the Allan Cup in 2004. He also helmed the defunct junior B Aylmer Aces.

"I played two years with (Storm head coach) Dave Barr in the IHL with the Orlando Solar Bears," Armstrong said.

He replaces Guelph assistant Jason Brooks, who resigned, and will take the bench with Trent Cull working with the forwards and the power play.

Guelph has London Junior Knights draft picks Drew Doughty and Leigh Salters on its roster, along with Londoner Shawn Haviland and former London Knights Brandon Biggers and Ryan Pottruff.

A scoring leader, Armstrong played nine years in the AHL and IHL, netting eight goals using his "patented" lacrosse-style shot. He had attended Laurier secondary school, played junior B and was at Western Michigan University.